Ionization process, 7-9 solid chromatography

In solution and in gas phase, the characterization of self-assembled cages/ capsules requires analytical methods operating in timescales that are in accordance with their hfetimes (milliseconds to hours). NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry using soft methods (ESI, MALDI) for vaporization and ionization are appropriate. In some cases, the containers structures and their complexes have also been characterized in the solid state by X-ray diffiraction. Generally, the purification of supramolecular containers and their encapsulation complexes using chromatography is not feasible owing to dynamic features of the reversible self-assembly process that led to their formation. 

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